As economic times get tough, travel agents are using their initiative to sell better-value holidays and offer alternative, flexible, family holiday spots.
Here are five destinations that you could swap:
Greece for Turkey
Turkey continues to compare favourably price-wise with the pound holding up well against the Turkish lira.
Exclusive Escapes owner-manager Andrew Lee said: “Local prices are about between 20% and 30% cheaper than in mainland Europe.”
The Greek and Turkish cultures share a lot of history and the destinations compare favourably.
The region of Mugla, including Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye, is particularly popular with British holidaymakers.
Turkey has now overtaken Spain as the number-one destination for UK holidaymakers. Pegasus Airlines is scaling up flights this year.
Ibiza for Majorca
The island of Majorca is generally cheaper than Corsica or Ibiza yet it is still cosmopolitan and stylish, with trendy restaurants and bars.
“It has a social scene to rival its little sister,” said Mallorca Farmhouses marketing director Solveig Thomas.
“Like Ibiza, it’s also popular with the rich and famous, including Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones and Antonio Banderas.”
Italy for Croatia
Land in Venice airport and within three hours you can be in Istria in Croatia.
The cost of living is cheaper than in Italy, yet the cuisine and scenery has got a familiar feel, certainly in the northern areas. There’s a good combination of islands and pretty coastal towns.
Prices have risen, but from a lower base than other spots in the eurozone.
Sicily for Malta
As the crow flies, Malta is only 60 miles from the Italian island. Yet it can be cheaper and its climate, landscape and beaches are similar.
The sea is clear, so it is better for diving, and it’s English-speaking. Malta is also smaller than Sicily so it is easier to get around.
Valletta is also a good alternative to Palermo for a city break.
Beyond the traditional
Egypt, Tunisia, Albania and Montenegro are four destinations that have a Mediterranean outlook with sun, sand and beaches.
Okay, so the flights are longer, but the falling price of aviation fuel means there will be bargains.
If you send clients to Albania it is easy to fly into Corfu and catch the ferry – the coastline north of Saranda is as stunning as the prices.
